STEP 1: Find Your Counselor > STEP 2: Schedule an Appointment > STEP 3: Experience Life Change
ian monaghan
M.A.- Level Intern

Specialties
- church hurt
- life transitions
- LGBTQIA+
- grief/loss
- anxiety/depression
- identity issues/exploration
- sexual issues
- men’s issues
- Spiritual direction
- childhood trauma
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Client focus
Age
- preteens/tweens
- teenagers
- adults (18+)
- seniors (65+)
counseling type
- individuals
- couples
- families
“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” — Samwise Gamgee
Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach
Much like Mr. Gamgee, I recognize that life can be quite challenging. Yet there remain aspects of our lives that are worth fighting for. As humans, we are designed for intentional interaction that fosters growth and promotes positive change. No one is an island, and you don’t have to wrestle your problems alone. My goal as a counselor is to partner alongside you as we cultivate a safe space that allows you to share any problem. Together we will work to explore what is weighing on you and come up with steps that can be taken to lighten that load.
What to Expect in Therapy
Exploring those weights is a process. I know how daunting it can be to trust someone enough to show them your hurt. You’ll be in control of what we talk about and when – if there is something that comes out and you are not ready to address that yet, we’ll refocus on an area you feel comfortable exploring. As the client, you set the limits on what you’re ready to talk about. It is my role to partner with you in that process and fully explore the areas you feel ready to discuss. It is my honor to provide a confidential, non-judgmental space.
As an intern at Cornerstone, I will have regular supervision that provides support for both myself and, by extension, each client that comes to meet with me. This is to ensure that you as the client are receiving the highest level of care possible while working with me.
I do not assume that just because you sought Christian counseling that we share all the same beliefs regarding religion. As such, I am happy to hear where you come from religiously and incorporate any type of prayer, meditation, and scripture into our sessions together. Again, my goal is to provide the space you feel most comfortable in.
Personal Qualifications and Experience
I place a high value on relationships and the power those relationships hold. I pursued counseling after years of being “the helper” of many friend groups. I wanted a way to gain professional competency and begin helping with clinically backed research rather than simply winging it. I always felt a sense that there was more I could be doing to aid those around me in making the changes they want to see.
I started my graduate degree through a secular program in Virginia and made it through my first semester of meeting with clients before transferring to a Christian program here in Colorado. As someone who holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry, I felt that a Christian approach to therapy made more sense as Jesus is called the Great Counselor.
I have worked with clients with varying challenges including domestic abuse, suicidal ideation, gender and sexual identity, relational disputes, and autism spectrum disorder.
Personal Interests
I am a big hobbyist, from boardgames to rock climbing. I am always happy to try new things and meet new people! As an enneagram seven, I feel a need to constantly explore new adventures.
My wife and I and our two dogs live full-time in our van that we spent two years building out ourselves and officially moved into one year ago! I am a multi-instrumental musician which includes guitar, piano, cajon, and melodica. My passion for music comes from serving as part of worship teams. Beyond that, I have spent extended time as a missionary in the Dominican Republic and speak some Spanish!
NEXT STEPS
“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” — Samwise Gamgee